'No backroom deal' on Veera's release
Conflicting statements about whether there was a deal in the release of Veera Somkhwamkid, who was imprisoned in Cambodia for three years. Foreign Affairs says: Cambodia has not asked for any favors, Justice says that both countries have reached an agreement on the exchange of prisoners.
Sihasak Phuangketkeow, permanent secretary of the foreign ministry, said yesterday that the release was not in response to the release of XNUMX Cambodians imprisoned in Thailand for visa fraud. Sihasak said Thailand appreciates Veera's release as a sign of Cambodia's goodwill.
However, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Charnchao Chaiyanukit, had a different story earlier yesterday. The prisoner exchange agreement also covers the XNUMX detained Cambodians. Correction: thirteen, at least according to the Corrections Department. They are imprisoned in Sa Kaeo province.
Veera, coordinator of the (radical) Thai Patriots Network, arrived in Thailand yesterday. He was accompanied by Sihasak and a Thai delegation who had spoken with Cambodian authorities during a two-day visit about the problems with Cambodian migrants and the Preah Vihear issue, which was ruled on by the International Court of Justice in The Hague last year. Both countries have yet to agree on the exact boundary of the cliff on which the temple stands.
From the airport, Veera was taken to the Crime Suppression Department, where he was charged with eight counts for the occupation of Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports by the Yellowshirts in late 2008.
After posting a bail of 100.000 baht, he was free again. He must report to the police again on Wednesday.
The article quotes a military source as praising Prayuth for Veera's release. "Prayuth used its longstanding ties to Cambodia's military leaders to secure the release."
He also praised General Surawat Butrwong, head of the Neighboring Countries Coordinating Centre, for his key role in the early release. Surawat has close ties to military leaders and Prime Minister Hun Sen, the source said.
Veera, his secretary and five others were apprehended at the Cambodian border in December 2010 by Cambodian soldiers. They would have been on Cambodian territory. The five were released after a month, the secretary, as well as Veera, were convicted of espionage at the beginning of last year. The others got off with a suspended sentence.
(Source: Bangkok Post, July 3, 2014)